England Crush Pakistan by an Innings and 47 Runs in Opening Test
In a dominant performance, England secured a resounding innings and 47-run victory over Pakistan in the opening test at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The Pak vs Eng Test match, which saw multiple records shattered, concluded on Friday as Pakistan’s resistance crumbled in front of a clinical English side.
England Overpowers Pakistan Despite Strong Resistance
On the fifth day Pak vs Eng first test match, Pakistan resumed at 152-6, with hopes pinned on Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal. Salman showed determination with a gritty 63, but his dismissal by Jack Leach ended a crucial 109-run partnership, leaving Pakistan vulnerable.
England’s fast bowlers bombarded the remaining Pakistani batsmen with bouncers, with Jamal bravely scoring a half-century despite taking a hit from Brydon Carse. However, his fighting spirit couldn’t change the inevitable as Leach’s outstanding catch and smart bowling wrapped up the game by removing Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
England's Record-Breaking Pak vs Eng First Innings
England’s batting prowess was on full display as they posted a monumental 823-7 declared, their highest total in 86 years. Harry Brook’s double century (317) and Joe Root’s masterclass (262) were pivotal to England’s historic first Pak vs Eng Test innings total. Pakistan’s initial total of 556 seemed imposing, but by the fourth day, they were trailing by 115 runs and couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure applied by the visitors.
Notable Records & Stats from the Test
Record-breaking Performances:
- Pakistan’s Unfortunate Record: Pakistan became the first team to score over 500 runs in a Test innings and still lose by an innings.
- England’s Innings Victory in Asia: This was England’s second innings victory on Asian soil, their first since a win against India in 1976.
- Pakistan’s Losing Streak: Pakistan has now lost six consecutive Test matches, their joint-longest losing streak in Test history.
- Shan Masood’s Tough Captaincy Record: Shan Masood has now captained Pakistan in six Tests, all ending in losses. Only four other captains have endured such a streak in their debut run.
Pakistan’s Tough Home Run:
- 11 Home Matches Without a Win: Since 2022, Pakistan has gone 11 consecutive Test matches at home without a victory, equaling their record between 1969 and 1975.
- Low Opening Partnerships: Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub’s partnership average of 2.87 is now the lowest for any opening pair in Test cricket with at least eight innings together.
Key Stats List for the Match:
- First Team to Lose After Scoring 500: Pakistan became the first team to lose a Test match by an innings despite scoring 500+ runs.
- England’s Historic Innings Win in Asia: Only the second time England has achieved an innings win in Asia, with the first being against India in 1976.
- Pakistan’s Home Losing Streak: 11 consecutive home matches without a win since 2022, matching their longest-ever streak from 1969-1975.
- Shan Masood’s Unfortunate Record: Masood is the fifth captain to lose six or more consecutive Test matches from debut.
- Babar Azam’s Form Dip: Babar’s highest score across 17 Test innings since 2023 is 41, a notable decline for one of Pakistan’s key players.
